Chapter 25 – Melody on Earth

Jacky could hear the energetic screams from the crowd as he’s on standby, waiting for his turn onstage. He must admit that the current performer is very impressive. He half feels he might turn the atmosphere into a sad one when he goes on. As he ponders over matters, he could feel someone tapping on his shoulder. He turns around to see Ehlo smiling at him.
“Ready, man?” Ehlo asked, his head tilting towards the dark curtain shielding them from the crowd.
Seeing Ehlo with him – like a time long ago he has come to forget, he nods.
“Let’s go get ’em,” Ehlo said, giving Jacky’s shoulder a final clap before ascending the steps.
Jacky follows Ehlo out. His hesitation disappears as soon as he sees the crowd below. He gives the arena a quick scan. It has been a long time since he disappeared. It is now his chance to return to the people who have gingerly and patiently supported him all thus far. The friends who he appreciates dearly, not just the ones who he comes to know and share with personally, but those who supports him all this far throughout his career. He doesn’t want to use the word ‘fan’ because he believes he should not need to rise above anyone or need to boost his ego by separating himself from this group of people. He doesn’t need followers or should he feel the need to recruit any. He only wants real support – those willing enthusiasm that are often seen everyday with everyone supporting each other through hardships in life, through all the hurdles that one must get past in order to achieve one’s dreams.
“I’m back,” Jacky mumbled, waiting for the crowd to simmer down.
“How is everyone tonight?” Ehlo asked the crowd, waving his free hand at them.
The crowd cheers at that time. Jacky could actually feel the lively atmosphere seething through his skin.
“We’ll start off with Jacky’s newest song,” Ehlo continued. “A surprise for you guys.” He then turns to Jacky. “Ready?”
Jacky nods, smiling.
Ehlo waits for the crowd to quiet down again before speaking up. “This song is called Star Dust.”
The main lights dim at that time, giving way for small circles of silvery lights dancing around the arena. Music comes on at that time. A soft set of piano notes start off the song. It is then that Jacky finally feels fully alive. He starts off the song – like many times before. Ehlo joins in naturally. They complement each other just like old times. The crowd quiets down to listen, giving the arena such a placid feeling. Yet there isn’t any trace of sadness, but more of mesmerized. As they take their brief pause, allowing the music to flow through the crowd, Jacky turns to the piano set at the right. Memories wash over him once again as he could see a light shadow of Xiao Yan playing on the piano like she once did when he and Ehlo used to perform. He could see her smiling at him. A proud smile? Proud that he had conquered his past? Or was that smile of happiness? Happiness for his achievement? Her image finally disappears as Ehlo’s voice comes on again. He regains himself and accompanies Ehlo through the rest of the song. It is until they finish the song that he realizes that he has moved on. This is his last time saying goodbye to his past. To her.
“Our next song will be…” Ehlo spoke up after the cheering had subsided and the light had come back on.

*****

“So that was what you guys were talking about with a secret, huh?” Selena asked, turning to Ehlo and Mina.
Ehlo smiles. “Of course.”
“When did Jacky finish that song?” Xiao Jie asked, turning to Ehlo.
Ehlo turns to look at Jacky instead of answering Xiao Jie. He could see Jacky nods so he turns to Xiao Jie again. “Actually, he called me up one night and said that he wants to turn this into a song for us three instead of his dedication for Xiao Yan.”
Xiao Jie has a puzzle look on her face.
“Us three as in me, him, and Xiao Yan,” Ehlo clarified. “Our friendship.”
“Oh.”
Ehlo nods.
“So where are we heading now?” Mina asked excitedly.
“I don’t know about you guys,” Ken spoke up. “But Selena and I have to go.”
The others turn to them.
“Where?” Ehlo asked.
“We have to check this place out before it gets dark,” Ken said.
“Sorry, you guys,” Selena said, her expression apologetic. “We’ll meet you guys tonight at Ehlo’s shop for celebration though.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Ehlo said. “We’ll probably do something random for the next few hours anyway.”
They wave goodbye to Ken and Selena before separating to go into their own cars. Wei Ru, Darren, and Brittney go with Jacky while Hebe and Mina go with Ehlo. Bryan and Xiao Jie are going together of course.
It is actually after the concert and they are heading back to Jacky and Ehlo’s hometown for a celebration of the success. They have promised to meet back at the Huang’s shop since they’ve been done with the preparations beforehand. They just need to set it up and then they could celebrate.
“That was really something,” Darren said after Jacky enters traffic.
“Definitely,” Brittney agreed.
“Glad you guys like it,” Jacky said.
“Jie, you should’ve sung,” Brittney said, leaning forward into Wei Ru’s seat.
“It’s too overwhelming,” Wei Ru said, wrinkling her face. “Besides, I don’t want to hog the limelight since it’s their comeback.”
“Maybe next time,” Jacky said, smiling.
“You will not!” Wei Ru exclaimed. “You know how I get in front of the crowd.”
Jacky still has on his playful smile. “Just kidding, Miss Lai.”
Just then, Jacky’s cell phone rings. He reaches for his Bluetooth before picking it up.
“Hey, you guys want to visit Xiao Yan’s grave before we head home for celebration?” Ehlo’s voice asked.
Jacky hesitates for a bit, molding it over in his mind.
“Maybe it will be good for us both,” Ehlo continued, his voice leveled.
Jacky finally resumes his determined look. “Okay.”
He hangs up after that, getting ready to merge into the next lane, changing his destination.
The other three exchange a look but do not ask Jacky. They know the answer will reveal when they arrive at the location.
It has been a long journey for Jacky and even Ehlo because of their close connection to Xiao Yan. They could finally close that chapter of their life now. By Ehlo suggesting this visit, it could also be considered as the final closure.